Strength in Team Staff Spotlight: Eric Wylie, Hastings Middle School

In this biweekly staff spotlight, we will be highlighting the people who contribute to the strength of our team by making our schools and our district such a special place for students. 

Eric Wylie, social studies teacher, Hastings Middle School

How do you contribute to your school/department and the school district as a whole? I am an experienced teacher, and I believe many of my colleagues see me as someone who they can come to about many topics.  I have been a team leader, a department chair, a member of the Hastings BLT, a union representative and a member of the TECIP team.  I believe the staff knows I care about my students, and I want all of them to be successful in a variety of ways.  I love talking, listening, and collaborating with my colleagues in order for the students, the staff and the district to be better and continually improve.  The staff at Hastings is incredible, and I also learn from my colleagues all the time. 

What inspires you / motivates you in your role? I love the middle school philosophy and the wide range of emotions and ideas middle school students experience.  Developing trust and rapport with your students is important in supporting them as they navigate through these three years.  I work hard to make students feel comfortable and confident in my classroom.  Watching students slowly develop more confidence in their ability with the content and in their interpersonal skills is a huge motivating factor for me.  The students and staff know I will not stop trying to help and support others.  My teammates, Diane Balog, Zack Prout and Joanna Kaliker, also inspire me because of the great work they do with students each day.

What is a memorable moment, or your proudest moment, in the 36 years you have been with UA Schools? There is no one specific moment I am proud of, but I have taught over 3,500 students in my 36 years. I like to believe I had a positive impact on many of those young people.   Earlier in my career, I spent so much time and energy on the curriculum, but I may have missed the importance of each individual student.  The middle school students want you to care about them, and I have tried hard to show each student that I do.  The curriculum is important, but listening to the students is very important.  Many students have written emails or letters thanking me for helping them grow with their confidence, self-esteem, and a variety of skills.  Those emails and letters are what make me proud to be a teacher in Upper Arlington.

What brings you joy outside of work? I greatly enjoy traveling with my wife and hiking as often as we can.  I love to learn as we travel, so we often visit museums and historical or cultural sites as well.  Spending quality time with my three grown children will always put a smile on my face.  Finally, despite my age, I still love to listen to rock and roll music — which always makes me happy. 

Reflections from Hastings Middle School Principal Matt Jordan on Eric Wylie: Mr. Wylie is an invaluable asset to Hastings Middle School because of his dedication to learner success, focus on building strong relationships, and positive impact on the school culture.

Middle school is a critical transition period for young adults, and Mr. Wylie consistently creates an environment where learners feel supported, challenged and motivated. He is extremely passionate about the subject that he teaches, and he brings the subject alive each day with the relevant anecdotes he tells to elevate the curriculum. By teaching in this manner, he creates an inviting environment where learners feel seen, valued and heard.

A current 8th grader at Hastings describes Mr. Wylie as “open, welcoming and very easy to talk to.” She says that he is always the teacher that “we run to just to say ‘Hi!’” Beyond his work with students, Mr. Wylie is a collaborative teacher who supports his colleagues, communicates effectively with families, and routinely goes above and beyond each day. He makes Hastings a better place for all.